DIY Gem Pushpins

Every now and then a craft project falls into my inbox and I’m blown away by how the simplest ideas are often the best. This clever plaster push pin project comes from blogger Mandy Pellegrin of Fabric Paper Glue. She was kind enough to share it here with us today- and she has another DIY great idea we’ll be sharing next week. Thanks, Mandy! -xo, grace

Sure, Pinterest has revolutionized the way we keep tabs on our sources of inspiration, but if we’re honest, nothing can really replace a good old-fashioned bulletin board. They’re not only home to our favorite glossy clippings; they can also be a place to stow and display the items that represent so much more than the visual stimulation afforded on our computer screens — a place to keep the tactile textures of our favorite fabrics, little reminders of life’s events, or sweet handwritten notes. So, why not give these items the presentation they deserve by using pushpins with a little design flair? With this DIY, you’re three steps (four, if you’re ambitious) and about 15 active minutes away from a truly unique set of gem-shaped pushpins. –Mandy Pellegrin

Comments

Fabulous idea from a cleverly crafty lady…so simple and who would have thought…thanks Mandy for thinking! Would sealing coat of polyurethane be beneficial…to help prevent chipping?
Thanks Grace for passing along!

You could probably skip the painting and plaster-mixing by using Fimo or another polymer clay — fill up the molds, pop it in the fridge so the clay cures juuust a bit, then bake away. I’d love to see clay mixed in different gem styles (like the ever-trendy malachite).

I’ll be using clay, as well…love me some polymer! :-) Actually have already done something similar but made magnets as I made a cool metal bulletin board, but I’m sure many will love the plaster pins too. Thanks!

Having the absolute hardest time finding the large gem candy mold in order to make some of these for myself. I know it’s an Autumn Carpenter mold, yet they aren’t sold on their website (or Amazon, etc.). Does anyone have another source?

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